§ Mr. John SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to provide further support to the victims of crime. [137462]
§ Mr. StrawFrom next April, the annual Home Office grant to Victim Support will rise from £18.3 million to £19 million. This represents an increase of more than 50 per cent. since we assumed office in May 1997. The enhanced grant has enabled Victim Support to improve their existing services and to introduce new ones, including witness services in all magistrates courts.